Beware of voice cloning scam, caution Tamil Nadu cops

CHENNAI: The state cyber crime police have cautioned people about an artificial intelligence-assisted voice cloning scam, and urged people to remain vigilant even if they receive distress calls from their 'dear ones'. Scammers may use deceptive tactics and voice cloning to imitate voices of family members and friends, to extract money from potential victims, said an advisory issued on Saturday.
Scammers employ various tactics to convince victims that they were indeed in emotional distress and urgently needed money. "Behind the scene, the scammer utilises sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) software to clone the voice of the person they are impersonating. They obtain the voice sample of the person they are impersonating from their social media posts/videos or by simply talking to the person over the phone as a wrong call," the press release explained.
The scammer then requests the victim to transfer money immediately, often suggesting fast payment methods such as UPI, police said. To protect oneself, cybercrime police suggest asking questions or contacting the supposed caller through a verified number before taking any action.
"Stay informed about common scams, including voice cloning fraud, and recognise the warning signs. Be wary of unexpected requests for money, especially if they involve urgent situations or emotional manipulation. Use secure communication channels, such as encrypted messaging apps or video calls, to verify identity," the release advised.
Victims of similar activities or those who have come across any such suspicious activities can report the incident by calling the cyber crime toll-free helpline no 1930 or registering a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in